Hong Kong to host stopover for Volvo Ocean Race

Volvo Ocean Race organisers announced a unique collaboration with the Hong Kong Sailing Federation to bring the race to Hong Kong for the first time.

Hong Kong is set to host its first ever stopover in the prestigious Volvo Ocean Race come February 2018. Hong Kong will be part of the 2017-18 race, which will start from Alicante, Spain in the autumn of 2017, with the fleet scheduled to arrive in Victoria Harbour in February 2018. Widely acclaimed as the toughest round the world sailing challenge on the planet, the Volvo Ocean Race, originally The Whitbread Round the World Race, was first held in 1973.

In a press conference today, Volvo Ocean Race organisers announced a unique collaboration with the Hong Kong Sailing Federation to bring the race to Hong Kong for the first time. Hosting a stopover will create a truly unforgettable experience for the city. The world’s premier yacht race will transform the old airport in Kak Tai, and immerse residents of Hong Kong in a wide range of race-related activities geared to educate as well as entertain both supporters and first time spectators of this exciting sailing competition.

It is the first time Hong Kong will be hosting an international sailing event of this scale, with the Race Village offering features to attract sailing fans and those new to the sport. The Hong Kong stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race will also feature in-port racing, giving spectators the opportunity for a closer look and to experience the thrilling atmosphere of competitive sailing.

Mr Anthony Day, Hong Kong Sailing Federation Council Member and RHKYC Rear Commodore Sailing said, “Ocean racing does not get more exciting or prestigious than the Volvo Ocean Race and the 2018 stopover here will help to secure Hong Kong’s place on the map as an international sailing venue. We look forward to welcoming the fleet to race in our waters and to introducing the skippers and crews to a generation of young Hong Kongers who will hopefully be inspired to get out there and involved in the sport."

Antonio Bolanos Lopez, acting CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, said “I am thrilled that the race is visiting one of the most iconic and beautiful ports in the world for the first time. We are delighted to welcome Hong Kong to the Volvo Ocean Race family and know that we will have a stopover here, which will be one of the highlights of the 2017-18 edition.”

“I would like to pay special tribute to the Hong Kong Sailing Federation with the support of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR for making our dreams of bringing the race here a reality.”